On 24th November 2015, The Hub opened its doors at Hull’s Central Library to provide the latest updates on wider Green Port Hull developments as well as an overview of other renewables projects in the region – the UK’s energy capital.
Run by the Green Port Growth Programme Skills and Employment team, in partnership with Jobcentre Plus and Siemens, The Hub is equipped with IT pods so jobseekers can search for employment opportunities and apply for jobs online.
The team at The Hub offers assistance with job applications, CV writing and interview skills, as well as managing the successful Pathway to Employment programme. The scheme provides 10 weeks of training and work experience to the long-term unemployed, and was introduced last year to supply workers to firms in Hull and the East Riding. So far, 55 people have completed the programme, with 38 of those securing full-time jobs.
In addition, over 300 local companies, 400 employees and 600 apprentices have been supported by the team at The Hub, through the Green Port Growth Programme. To meet the needs of the emerging renewable energy sector, the programme has offered the Apprenticeship Wage Subsidy and Upskilling Fund to increase the strength of the local engineering and manufacturing workforce and raise skills levels. The Upskilling Fund supports 50% of training costs for courses at Level 3 or above.
Since the Hub opened, people have received help to gain employment not only with Siemens, but with many other energy, manufacturing and engineering firms.
Bob Ferraby, Manager for the Green Port Growth Programme Skills and Employment team, commented:
“As Siemens’ recruitment drive continues, the role of The Hub has evolved. Not only are we focusing on careers opportunities and advice for the offshore wind sector, but for the wider manufacturing and engineering industries in our region.
“We have developed a jobs board, where businesses can advertise available roles, and have supported initiatives such as Women into Manufacturing and Engineering (WiME), to encourage females into careers in this area. In the Humber region, these sectors are thriving and we see The Hub playing an important role in the future to attract new people into these industries, as well as help businesses fill vacancies with the right people.”
One person who gained a job with Siemens as a result of using services at The Hub is Daniel Fieldhouse, 30, from east Hull. After applying for a packing operative role at Siemens, he visited the team at The Hub to prepare himself for a test which was the next stage of the application process.
He explains:
“I’d been keeping my finger on the pulse of Siemens recruitment drives and, as soon as the packing operative roles were advertised, I applied and was fortunate to get through to the next round. I wanted to give myself the very best chance of succeeding, which is why I went to see the team at the Green Port Hub. I asked questions about what I should expect, and they explained the process to me. It meant I could focus on the day and it was invaluable preparation.
“I was delighted when I received an email to say I’d passed the test stage, and was invited to an assessment day. Again, I wanted to make sure I was as ready as I could be for it, so visited the Hub to find out more and equip myself with as much knowledge as possible. Not only did I receive support when I visited the Hub, but a member of the team kept in touch with me afterwards to make sure I had everything covered.
“It was June when I was offered a role. I cannot fault the support I’ve had from the Green Port Hub along the way.”
Gill Dillon, Employer and Partnership Manager, at Hull Jobcentre Plus, says:
“The idea of the Hub was to create a one-stop shop for those looking for roles in manufacturing and engineering, either directly with Siemens, or with businesses who had vacancies as a result of staff taking jobs in the renewables sector. It has been a great support service and has allowed local people to not only access job opportunities, but find out about new career paths and boost their CVs. We hope the Hub continues to develop and provide many more unemployed people in the city with skills, qualifications and employment.”
The Hub is open: Monday and Tuesday, 9.30am to 5pm; Wednesday, 1pm to 7.30pm; Thursday, 9.30am to 7.30pm; Friday, 9.30am to 1pm; and Saturday, 10am to 4pm.
Companies interested in the funding and support available should contact The Hub on 01482 613875 or email greenportenquiries@hullcc.gov.uk
